Born into a family deeply rooted in civic ideals, director Nam Ya-rang grew up in a household shaped by the 386 generation—a cohort known for their passion for social movements and commitment to societal progress. Her parents had witnessed South Korea's transformative journey in the 1980s and 1990s, including the triumph over military dictatorship, and instilled in her a strong belief that her generation was living in an era of democracy and freedom.

However, this belief was shaken in the wake of the Sewol Ferry disaster, a tragedy that led to widespread public criticism of the government. Her father, a civil servant, found himself entangled in the controversy, while her mother, a staunch feminist activist, continued to advocate for justice through public protests. In this household marked by two starkly opposing political perspectives, Nam faced a pivotal moment as she entered adulthood. 

Caught between these contrasting worldviews, she turned to filmmaking as a way to navigate her identity and role in political participation. Through documentary storytelling, she sought to carve out her own path for expression and engagement, shaping her voice amid the nation’s complex sociopolitical landscape.